Climate Change: Can the Climate Panel have Climate Impact?

In a NYTimes article, Andrew C. Revkin problematises the role of scientists in the fight against climate change. Should scientists speak out and provide policy makers with clear guidelines, or should they limit themselves to merely presenting their models, forecasts and findings in a scientific (i.e. objective and neutral) way?

Leaders from the most visible and known group of scientists working on climate change, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), including its president Rajendra K. Pachauri, have decided to speak out - albeit in a personal capacity. Their motivation is the big gap between the policy neutral reports of the IPCC (although others contest this neutrality) and the lack of action by the policy makers and world leaders that so support these reports.

In helping to make up your minds on climate change and its humanitarian impact, the Humanitarian Relief blog has compiled a list of resources, including campaigns, news reports, maps and other blogs.
See also the OCHA website on the humanitarian impact of climate change, with some general information and videos.